Kokomo, IN -- More than $22 million in grants and low-interest loans have been approved for many of the 5,356 residents who have applied, but state and federal disaster officials pointed out that there is less than a month left to call and apply before the September 9 deadline.

Those who suffered damages or loss from the tornadoes, flooding and severe storms that began July 4 through August 6 can still apply for assistance by calling the FEMA toll-free application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with speech or hearing impairment can call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Both lines are open 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday thru Saturday.

Most federal and state disaster assistance programs are designed to meet emergency needs in the form of disaster grants for immediate housing requirements and emergency repairs. These programs are meant to help people begin their recovery; they are not designed to return people's lives to their pre-disaster conditions.

To date, $10,509,912 in grants and $11,636,300 in low-interest loans have been approved for more than 4,500 claims from Indiana residents who have applied for disaster assistance, according to figures released today by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

Local, state and federal recovery officials and voluntary organizations have combined efforts to assist victims of the severe weather in putting their lives back together. This is a summary of recovery activities as of close of business August 14:

	5,356	Individuals had called to apply for assistance
	2,135	People had visited a Disaster Recovery Center
	1,534	Temporary rental assistance grants were approved, totaling $1,629,772
	2,694	Emergency essential repair grants were approved, totaling $6,122,936
	1,120	Other Needs Assistance grants were approved, totaling $2,727,204 - includes grants for serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other programs, such as medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation and moving and storage
	495	U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan applications were approved, totaling $11,636,300

Crisis Counseling: People who have gone through a disaster such as a tornado and flooding may experience trouble sleeping, anxiety, irritability, depression and lack of concentration. Talking about disaster experiences and sharing feelin...